DFA: PHL, Japan reaffirm bilateral ties

The Philippines and Japan have reaffirmed their bilateral ties and strategic partnership after holding a Vice Ministerial Policy Dialogue (VMPD) in Metro Manila earlier this week. Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) held the VMPD at the Sofitel Hotel on April 11. Held every two years, the VMPD is one of the regular policy consultation mechanisms between the Philippines and Japan. "The two Governments reviewed the overall state of their strategic partnership. The Philippines and Japan expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of relations and cooperation, as Philippine-Japan diplomatic ties enter its 55th year in 2011," the DFA said in a news release posted on its website Thursday. Leading the Philippine and Japanese delegation were DFA Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio and MOFA Deputy Minister Koro Bessho. During the meeting, Basilio reiterated President Benigno Aquino III's message of solidarity and sympathy with Japan after the devastating quake and tsunami last March 11. On the other hand, Bessho reiterated the appreciation of the Japanese government for the Philippines' support, including the assistance it provided in kind last March 25. "The three-hour consultations saw both governments exchanging views on a wide range of topics of mutual interest, spanning the bilateral, regional and international spheres," the DFA said. Basilio and Bessho also noted a great degree of convergence between the two governments' views on several issues concerning Philippine-Japan relations. The two countries also renewed their commitment to promoting regional peace, stability and development. – VVP, GMA News